Thanks Ken, I'll have to add it to the boat calendar, where is the sailing location.
I almost forgot congratulations on the promotion.
Cheers Colin.

We tend to be a bit lively of thought as our bodies slow down.
That is if its a memory lane
Wander.
Cheers Colin.

Good progress, keep it up matey.
Cheers Colin.

It's that thing that keeps swallowing my money. But living in the sticks I need it.
Only wish the wife could drive.
Cheers Colin.

Hi Sidley,
Try Googling british narrow boat designs. There's a lot of full size plans and layouts out there, one is www.narrowboats.org
If you can't find what you want let me know and I'll look for you.
Cheers Colin.

Superb boat, is it 1/12th scale.
Hope to see the final stages of the build.
Cheers Colin.

It's not so funny when you can't remember where you parked the car.
Cheers Colin.

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Not to be outdone esso gave stick on bullet holes.

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That's a wonderful idea Nerys.
Let me know the dates and I will try to fit it into my diary.
Cheers Colin.

Hi Nerys,
I'm sure we'll meet up soon, Barry isn't so far away.
I have to go to Newport on Tuesday to see the surgeon who did my knee, I have been having a couple of problems with it, so he wants to have a look to see what is wrong.
Luckily my knee doesn't affect my ability to work on the modelling, just arthritis, eyes and memory problems. But having a wife who loves to get involved with the modelling helps no end.
I look forward to seeing you and your models, bye for now, cheers Colin.

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Hi Nerys,
sorry we missed you, problem is that I didn't know what you looked like.
We thoroughly enjoyed the day, got a few bits for the grandsons boat.
I was really inspired by the model barge owners display, and they were very helpful in giving me advice and they were the only stand that had free information booklets. Likewise my wife was truly impressed by the friendly team.
The only other really helpful team was knightcote MBC. They offered me help with my vintage rc equipment.
If only I had found you I'm sure we could have managed a chat over a cup of tea. I take it Alice was with you to stop you straying off with anyone.
The one thing that keeps me modelling is my grandson's imagination. I don't know how he thinks but he has some wonderful ideas, especially with building stuff in lego and meccano.
Got to go wife's calling, it's dinner time. By for now, cheers Colin.

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Hi Pete, thanks been there, but it seems that the type of plastic that doesn't seem to stick with any type of glue. Even solvent plastic weld.
Cheers Colin.

Hi there Martin, I had a meeting with the headmistress yesterday, and I have to wait till the board of governors make a decision, until then I can't name the school or the children, but am allowed to repot on the progress.
Week 1, first sketches hung in the classroom and surprisingly they all have a similar profile. Boys seem to want police type boats, girls preferred things like coastguard and rescue boats.
Week 2(next week) they will be trying to make card superstructures and trying for fit and look. There will be 4 groups, so 4 potentiall models, as the whole top, deck up will be lift off.
I have made the under deck supports, and 4 blank decks in 3mm ply for them to use.
Further updates next weekend.
Cheers Colin.

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Yes Martin, sounds like a plan, just hope I'm still able to drive. Or win the lottery. (then buy myself a lake with a large barn alongside to use as a boat build and store facility.)
Joking aside it was a great day and I will certainly try to get there again.
Cheers Colin.

Just got back from a fantastic day at Warwick International model boat show.
I will definitely have to go again, picked up a lot of information from the model sailing barge stand. Thanks guys, I'll have a go at a barge in the future.
I took my wife and grandson with me, and they both enjoyed it, and I thought they would be bored, but the boy had fun on the pool with the lifeboats.
The wife is now looking for another project, potentially a sailing barge.
A big thanks to all those who took time out to explain the intricacies of their models to us.
Also bought a few needed items for my grandson's boat build. Should have robbed the piggy bank, as I saw loads of bargains but sadly lacked the funds.
Overall we had a great day, but the drive home was terrible with flooding and road closures.
Cheers Colin.

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Thanks Martin, ah plastic welding, why didn't I think of it, especially as when I have used hot wire it has melted the plastic.
Just needed to be nudged in the right direction.
Cheers Colin.

Finally I get to go, just hope the weather is OK for the drive, treating my grandson to a boys day out.
Hope to see you there.
Cheers Colin.

Great job, I think it looks better than the adjustable one's on ebay.
I prefer to use this type of stand, but most of mine are wood and quite hefty.
I think I'll try making something similar myself.
Thanks for sharing your excellent stand.
Cheers Colin.

Delicate cutting, but I find most of the small figures I have don't like being rejoined, I can't find a glue that works.
And so I have been rejoining by inserting a hot wire into the limbs. But its hard to hide the joints.
What's the secret oh master of the miniature limb manoeuvres.
Cheers Colin.

Yes please Martin.

I will have to ask the schools permission, but as long as they don't mind I will do my best.
Cheers Colin.

Thank you guys and gals for all your praise.
I'm only doing it because I want to share what bit of modelling knowledge I have amassed over my 65 years of modelling, I started with my grandad when I was 5 years old.
It seems that the first model that you make should be out of your own head, that way you can change things as you go.
That way you enjoy what you make, and are more likely to carry on making.
It's fortunate that my grandson is at a forward thinking school who already have a lego club, also a meccanno club. Both of them are well attended and enjoyed.
Much better than those stupid electronic games machines.
Tomorrow I will find out how well they are getting on with their designs.
Cheers Colin.

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Keep the blighters busy, it's the only way.
Apart from my bow anchorman who seems to have lost his broom.
Cheers Colin.

Just getting back to doing something with my boats.
My grandson (aged 5) asked if he could take some of my boat pictures to school, so I let him have about a hundred.
His class teacher contacted me and asked if I could show the children some of the models.
I sent them 5 boats in various states of build from kit in the box through to finished.
Today I was asked if I could help the year 1 class to build a model boat. I have supplied them with an old Fairey Hull from my store shed.
They are now drawing up a new boat to build.
The teacher has put them into groups and each group has to make a card mock up of what they want the boat will be.
I will be going to see what they have done on Friday.
So far there are 3 other adults willing to help. Once all the designs are done, we adults will be cutting out the ply and balsa parts and then assisting the children with their builds.
The PTA are paying for any of the bits we can't scrounge.
I hope they will enjoy doing it, the school has allowed one afternoon each week for the modelling class.
So far my grandson says it's really going well and there are boat drawings on 2 walls.
I am excited to be able to help youngsters get involved in modelling.
Follow up news next week.
Cheers Colin.

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Lovely bit of modelling repurposeing.
Just a joy to see a master craftsmans work.
Keep up the good work.
Cheers Colin.

That's a wonderful collection, I'm green with envy of your space for the collection.
I only have space to have 2 on display, most of mine live in my boat carrier trailer, with a few in either workshop or attic awaiting work.
The only time mine get to be seen is when I take them to the shows, or down to the lake.
But keep up the good work and collecting.
Cheers Colin.

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Super, I will be watching this with great interest. When the final version is finished I would like a set of diagrams and instructions. Or I could place an order for a dozen units.
Cheers Colin.

The only thing not In the instructions, is the amount of patience needed.
Its the secret ingredient for success.
And looking back over this log, it appears that you have loads.
Keep up the good work.
Cheers Colin.

Thanks for your concern, I will be back to normal soon.
Cheers Colin.

Thanks JB.
I am glad to be back, its been horrible not being able to read, write and enjoy the site.
And relying on others to take me anywhere I needed to go was awful.
So I'm trying to catch up with all the news.
Cheers Colin.